Determined Harry starts 874-mile fundraising run

A staff member from homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley has set himself a personal fundraising challenge of running the distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Forty-year-old Harry Barlow, Community Leader at Emmaus Mossley, has set the goal of running 874 miles throughout 2021.

Harry has taken on the challenge to improve his health and wellbeing whilst raising funds and awareness for Emmaus Mossley and other causes close to his heart.

Harry said: “In my day job I see first-hand how Emmaus Mossley provides a home, companionship, support and inspiration to people who have experienced homelessness.

"Like many other charities, we’re facing a massive shortfall in revenue.

"I’m really keen to use this challenge to raise awareness and help Emmaus Mossley recover from lost income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people (known as companions) by providing them with a home, work and support in a community setting.

The charity raises the majority of income from its large Secondhand Superstore.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the store has been forced to close due to lockdowns, therefore reducing Emmaus Mossley’s income.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Harry for undertaking his latest fundraising challenge in support of our charity.

"2020 was a very challenging year for Emmaus Mossley but we’re all keen to start 2021 with renewed focus, energy and optimism.”

Land's End to John o' Groats is the traversal of the whole length of the island of Great Britain between two extremities, in the southwest and northeast.

Harry (pictured above) will be completing the 874-mile distance in multiple legs throughout the year, some of which he hopes to be joined by friends and colleagues from Emmaus.

In recent years, Harry and fellow community members from Emmaus Mossley have completed multiple fundraising runs to support other local good causes.

Training and support for these runs was provided by Mossley AFC Running Club which helped to improve the fitness levels, health and wellbeing of companions.

If you would like to learn more about Harry’s fundraiser and donate, please click here

To find out more or support Emmaus Mossley, head to: https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/

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